Good times are in store as Columbus, Hope celebrate FFA week

FFA chapter members at Columbus North, Columbus East and Hauser high schools will remind their classmates and communities that agriculture is still a big part of the future during FFA Week.

About 84 members at Hauser and 55 members at the Columbus high schools will participate in fun activities each day of this week, culminating with the traditional Drive Your Tractor to School Day on Friday.

The potential for cold or snowy conditions will not interfere with the tractor driving, said Allison Korb, Columbus FFA adviser.

“The biggest thing is getting the community to be more knowledgeable about agriculture,” Korb said of the week’s activities. “There are more career possibilities in agriculture than just farming. You can be a scientist or a businessman.”

Showcasing leadership

Aleesa Dickerson, Hope FFA adviser, said FFA Week spreads awareness about an organization that has been around for decades.

Activities this week recognize FFA students and showcase their leadership skills plus provide a connection for the community to see the next generation of farmers and leaders in agriculture, she said.

At Hauser, Hope FFA members will raise funds for the Hope Relay for Life by collecting a $1 fee for students to wear a hat during school one day and for a special event Wednesday, Dickerson said.

Taped to the wall

Hauser Principal Shawn Price, who will be the next superintendent for Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corp., has agreed to be taped to the wall, with students paying $1 for a piece of tape to contribute to the effort.

The Hope FFA also is inviting the community to its pancake breakfast from 6:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday, with tickets at $5.

In Columbus, the two high schools’ FFA groups are looking to defend their winning streak in the Annual Broken Bucket Basketball game against Hauser at the Hope school at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Korb explained it’s a take on the Old Oaken Bucket tradition of IU and Purdue, except the FFA version is an old milk pail in which the winners gleefully add their victory with paint each year.

Tractor time

On Friday, Columbus FFA members will wear their best Carhartt attire to school and plan to park their tractors in front of Columbus East during the school day.

The local FFA members also have a connection to the state FFA organization this year.

Indiana FFA state president Brittany Young is from the Hope FFA Chapter. Kathleen Jacobs, the state FFA treasurer, plans to visit during the Broken Bucket game to meet with the students.